Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1114

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Elections; requiring the State Election Board to update certain system; requiring ballots to be digitized and made available to the public. Effective date.

Impact

In addition to implementing unique identifiers, SB1114 requires that all ballots be digitized and made publicly accessible within 30 days following an election. This transparency initiative enables the public to view and track ballots online, aiding in the verification of election outcomes. By keeping digitized ballots searchable for at least two years, the bill strengthens the election audit process and fosters trust in electoral integrity. Overall, the legislation has potential implications for both state election law and public engagement in the electoral process.

Summary

Senate Bill 1114 aims to enhance the transparency and security of the election process in Oklahoma by requiring the State Election Board to update its ballot systems. The legislation mandates that all ballots contain unique identifier numbers printed in multiple locations. This feature is intended to improve ballot tracking and accountability during elections, as it allows voters to retain a portion of the ballot with the identifier number for their records. The bill indicates a proactive approach to address public concerns regarding the validity and integrity of the election process.

Contention

Despite the positive intentions of SB1114, there may be points of contention regarding the feasibility of digitizing ballots and ensuring secure public access. Critics could raise concerns about data privacy, potential hacking vulnerabilities of online systems, and the costs associated with implementing such technology. Additionally, discussions around the balance between transparency and voter confidentiality may surface, as making ballots publicly accessible could raise issues regarding the unauthorized tracking of individual voter choices.